Owners of Xiaomi smart TVs and Mi TV Stick consoles often face a situation where the built-in Kinopoisk app stops working correctly or requires an update to access new content. Since these devices are based on the Android TV operating system, the update process here may be different from the usual actions on a smartphone. Users often look for the Update button in the app store, but do not always find it in the right place.
The relevance of the software version directly affects the stability of the video stream and the ability to use new features of the service. If you notice that the interface is hanging, the video does not load into the video. 4K Or you just don't have a start button, so it's time to upgrade. There are several proven ways to do this, from automatically updating through Google Play to manually installing it. APK-file.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, paying special attention to the nuances of the PatchWall shell and pure Android TV. You will learn how to check the current version, where to download the installation file safely and what to do if the standard methods do not work.
Checking the current version and available methods
Before you start taking action, you need to understand which version of the app you are working with and whether automatic upgrades are available at all. Often the problem lies not in the lack of updates, but in the failure of sync with the Google Play store. On Xiaomi TVs, the interface can be adapted, and the usual menu items are sometimes hidden.
To start, try the standard way through the built-in store. This is the safest method, since the system will check the compatibility of the version with your model of Xiaomi Mi TV. However, if the automation does not work, you will have to resort to manual verification through the settings of the application or system itself.
There are three main upgrade scenarios: through automatic updates to Google Play, through manual updates inside the store, or by installing a new version from an external media (USB).The method depends on how "locked" your TV is by the operator or regional restrictions.
- 📱 Automatic Update: The system itself finds and installs a new version if the appropriate option is enabled in the settings of the Google account.
- 🛠 Manual update via the Store: The user independently logs into Google Play, finds the app and clicks the “Update” button».
- 💾 Installation APK s USB: Download the installation file to the computer, transfer to the flash drive and install directly to the TV.
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If the Update button in Google Play is inactive (gray), you have already installed the latest version available for your region, or you need to clear the store cache.
Update via Google Play Store on Android TV
The preferred way for most users is to use the built-in app store. The Google Play Store interface on a TV is slightly different from the mobile one, but the logic remains the same. It's important to make sure your TV is connected to the Internet and the date/time is set correctly, as this affects the performance of security certificates.
To start the process, go to the main menu and select the store icon. At the top of the screen, find the "My Applications" or "App Management" section. This displays a list of all installed programs, including Cinema Search. If an update is available, the corresponding indicator or button will be lit next to the name.
☑️ Check before updating
Sometimes the app is listed as an update, but the button is not pressed, and in this case, cleaning the data of the Google Play store itself helps. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Store and select “Clear Cache.” After restarting the TV, the problem often disappears.
⚠️ Warning: If the Google Play Store stopped opening after cleaning the cache, don't panic.Try rebooting the TV with the off button on the remote (holding 5 seconds) or pulling the power cord out of the outlet for 10 seconds.
In some cases, the update may be hanging in the Download or Install status for a long time, which may indicate server or Internet connection problems, interrupt the process, check the network, and try to run it again.
Manual installation through APK-File (The most reliable method)
If the app store doesn't see updates or it gives you an error, manual installation comes to the rescue, and it requires preparation, but it guarantees the result, because you control the version of the file you install. You'll need a computer or smartphone with Internet access and you'll need to use it to get the right solution. USB-flash drive).
First, you need to download the current version of the Kinopoisk app, adapted for Android TV (note the Android TV or TV version mark). The regular mobile version may not work correctly with the remote control. Files are best taken from proven resources, such as 4PDA or the official website of the developer.
Where to find secure APK files?
After you download the file, transfer it to the flash drive. USB-The system must automatically identify the new device, and if that doesn't happen, you'll need a file manager. Many Xiaomi TVs have it built-in (often called File Manager or Explorer), but if it’s not, it can be installed from Google Play (e.g., the Send Files to app). TV» or "X-plore»).
Find a downloaded file with the.apk extension on the drive and click on it. The system will issue a security alert. You will need to allow installation from unknown sources. Once confirmed, the installation process will begin, which will take a few seconds.
- 📥 Download: Download the file kinopoisk_tv.apk computer.
- 💽 Record: Copy the file to the formatted file FAT32 flash-drive.
- 📺 Start: Insert the flash drive into the TV, open the file manager and start the installer.
⚠️ Attention: When installed APK-The system can request permission to install applications from unknown sources for a specific file manager. That's OK. Only allow the application you're running the installation through.
Use of Send Files to TV Application
For Xiaomi TV owners who do not have the ability to use a flash drive (for example, all ports are busy or inconveniently located), Send Files to is a great solution. TV (SFTTV). This method allows you to transmit APK-files directly from smartphone to TV via Wi-Fi.
You'll need to install the same app on your phone (Android or iOS) and on your TV (Google Play on TV), both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, a critical condition that will not be connected without.
The process is as follows: launch the app on your TV and select Receive mode. On your smartphone, launch the app, select Send mode, and find your Xiaomi Mi TV in the list. TV. Choose the downloaded one in advance APK-Film search file and send it.
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If the TV doesn't see the phone in the Send Files to TV app, check if the router is either in Guest Network or AP Isolation mode, which prevents devices on the network from seeing each other.
When you transmit the file, you'll see a notification on the TV, and you'll click on it to start installing it, and it's convenient because it doesn't require any physical manipulation of the file. USB-Ports and allows you to quickly update several applications.
Version comparison: Google Play vs APK from the site
Many users are wondering: Is there a difference between the store version and the site version? Indeed, the differences can be significant. The Google Play store often updates apps in "waves," so a new version can come to you a week after the official release.
The site version (APK) is always the latest release. However, by installing it manually, you take responsibility for stability. The official version on Google Play undergoes additional compatibility testing with specific Xiaomi TV models.
| Characteristics | Google Play Store | APK from the site |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance of the version | 3-10 days delay | Instant (release day) |
| Security | Guaranteed by Google | Depends on the source. |
| Automatic update | There is. | No (only by hand) |
| Regional restrictions | Possible blockages | Usually a global version |
If you use Android TV 9.0 and above, it is highly recommended to use TV-Application versions: Mobile versions installed through APK, may require touch control emulation, making remote navigation uncomfortable.
Solving problems during installation and launch
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can get errors, and one of the most common is "App not installed," which is often because a newer or conflicting version of an app with a different signature is already installed on the TV.
In this case, you need to completely remove the old Cinema Search before installing a new one. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps, find Film Search and select Delete. Only then try to install the new version.
⚠️ Note: When you delete the application, all stored data (logins, settings, cache) will be erased. You will have to log in to the application again.
Another problem is a black screen when you start up or crash into the main menu, which may indicate a lack of RAM. Try closing other running applications or clearing RAM through the built-in Xiaomi optimizer.
- 🚫 "Syntactic error" error: File damaged while downloading. APK preferably from another source.
- 🔒 Access Error: Check if the application is allowed to access the storage in the access rights settings.
- 📉 Interface Brake: Make room in the TV's internal memory by removing unused programs.
Sometimes it helps to reset the settings of the app itself (not the entire TV!) from the app menu, select Cinema Search, click Clear Data and Clear Cache, which will return the program to "just installed."